1. First Aid for Divers Wounds 1 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Wounds & Bleeding

2. First Aid for Divers Wounds 2 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Contents Types of wound Bleeding and clotting Treatment

3. First Aid for Divers Wounds 3 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Wounds Any damage to the skin or underlying tissues Open wound ●skin is breached ●blood lost from the body ●allows infection into the body Closed wound ●underlying tissues damaged beneath intact skin ●blood lost from circulation but NOT from the body

4. First Aid for Divers Wounds 4 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Types of wound Open ●incision ●laceration ●abrasion ●puncture ●‘gunshot’ Closed ●contusion ●internal bleeding

5. First Aid for Divers Wounds 5 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Bleeding and clotting Ruptured blood vessels ●blood cells escape ●wounded tissue releases chemicals Platelets ●stick to edges of wound ●release further chemicals ●blood vessels contract ●fibrin threads form Blood clot ●fibrin threads form mesh over wound, trapping blood cells ●clot hardens, sealing hole Keep casualty still to help clotting Damaged blood vessel Fibrin threads Platelets Red blood cells Blood clot

6. First Aid for Divers Wounds 6 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Treatment principles Minimise blood loss Help body cope with blood loss Prevent infection Treat for shock

7. First Aid for Divers Wounds 7 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Minor open wounds Treatment ●clean wound ●dry wound ●apply sterile dressing ●apply firm bandage

8. First Aid for Divers Wounds 8 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Severe bleeding Treatment ●apply pressure ●raise & support injury ●apply sterile dressing ●if more required apply further dressings on top ●bandage firmly ●DO NOT use tourniquets ●immobilise affected area to help blood clotting Severed body part ●bag it ●keep cool and dry ●send with casualty

9. First Aid for Divers Wounds 9 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Internal bleeding signs & symptoms Pain / tenderness Bruising Blood in spittle / urine Shock without obvious blood loss ●weakness, dizziness ●pallor, sweating ●rapid pulse and breathing ●breathlessness, unconsciousness

10. First Aid for Divers Wounds 10 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Internal bleeding treatment Lie down (legs raised) Arrange evacuation Record ●breathing ●pulse ●response levels ●treatment Recovery position if casualty loses consciousness

11. First Aid for Divers Wounds 11 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009 Summary Open wounds Closed wounds Clotting Hygiene Pressure No tourniqets or pressure points

12. First Aid for Divers Wounds 12 FAD 09 v1.2 Copyright © BSAC 2009